Ohio DUI Penalties — Fines, Jail & Probation
Common consequences to discuss with counsel.
First offense §4511.19
A first OVI in Ohio is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Jail: 3 consecutive days (mandatory minimum; or 3-day Driver Intervention Program) minimum to 6 months maximum
- Fine: $375 to $1,075
- License suspension: 1 year to 3 years
- Substance abuse program: alcohol/drug assessment required; Driver Intervention Program (72-hour residential or 3-day jail) mandatory; treatment as recommended
- Community service: discretionary — court may impose community service
- Probation: available
Second offense
- Jail: 10 consecutive days (mandatory; or combination of jail and continuous alcohol monitoring) minimum to 6 months maximum
- Fine: $525 to $1,625
- License suspension: 1 year to 7 years
Third and subsequent offenses
- Jail/prison: 30 consecutive days minimum to 1 year maximum
- Fine: $850 to $2,750
- License suspension: 2 years to 12 years
- Felony threshold: fourth offense within 10 years is a fourth-degree felony (OVI); also felony if prior felony OVI conviction exists
Penalty comparison by offense tier
| Offense | Jail Range | Fine Range | License Suspension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First OVI | 3 consecutive days (mandatory minimum; or 3-day Driver Intervention Program)–6 months §4511.19 | $375–$1,075 §4511.19 | 1 year to 3 years §4511.19 | |
| Second OVI | 10 consecutive days (mandatory; or combination of jail and continuous alcohol monitoring)–6 months §4511.19 | $525–$1,625 §4511.19 | 1 year to 7 years §4511.19 | |
| Third OVI | 30 consecutive days–1 year §4511.19 | $850–$2,750 §4511.19 | 2 years to 12 years §4511.19 |
Lookback period
Ohio uses a 10 years (unlimited lookback for certain provisions) Lookback period to determine how prior offenses affect sentencing. Only OVI convictions within this window count toward the escalating penalty tiers.
Enhanced penalties for aggravating factors §4511.19(A)(1)(f); §4511.19(G)(1)(a)(ii)
- BAC ≥ 0.17 (high-tier OVI — mandatory enhanced penalties, longer jail, higher fines)
- Refusal of chemical test with prior OVI
- Prior OVI convictions within 10 years
- OVI causing serious physical harm (felony)
What these penalties mean in practice
Mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced by the judge — they must be served. Fines do not include surcharges, court costs, and program fees, which can substantially increase the total financial impact. License suspension affects employment, insurance rates, and daily logistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
Related guides
- 1st offense: 3 consecutive days (mandatory minimum; or 3-day Driver Intervention Program) to 6 months jail, $375-$1,075 fine, 1 year to 3 years suspension
- 2nd offense: 10 consecutive days (mandatory; or combination of jail and continuous alcohol monitoring) to 6 months jail, $525-$1,625 fine
- 3rd+ offense: 30 consecutive days to 1 year jail, $850-$2,750 fine
- Lookback period: 10 years (unlimited lookback for certain provisions)